Bengaluru water crisis may lead techies to migrate back to Kerala: Minister P Rajeeve.

P Rajeeve said Kerala is blessed with an abundant supply of water and other natural resources. It has over 40 rivers and plenty of Monsoon. Traditionally, the two states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have fought for their share of water from the Kaveri river. The two states have been at loggerheads for decades, with the crisis ending up often as riots on the streets. But now a new sliver of water politics is emerging, with the state of Kerala making a move to attract IT talent from Bengaluru which is reeling under severe water shortage. Edited excerpts from an interview with Kerala industries minister P Rajeeve: For years Kerala has struggled to keep its IT talent within the state, with most preferring to move to Bengaluru, Hyderabad or Chennai. Now, with Bengaluru struggling with low water tables, Kerala is looking to turn the tables on it. That’s looks like the new politics of water. Do you think that would be enough to entice employees from other states to relocate? Basic facilities like water and good air are essential components. I know that many of the Malayali IT employees in cities like Bengaluru have shown a great interest in moving back. But it’s not that we have only natural resources. We have been slowly building the startup ecosystem in the state. There are hundreds of youngsters in Kerala who are building tech startups and giving jobs to many. The state government is backing them and trying to give them enough incentives.